Manis

Manis temminckii (Blitz)

Metacheiromys DB152-2

Anatomische Untersuchungen über die Edentaten (1852) Phataginus tricuspis

Cambridge Natural History Mammalia Fig 109

Pangolin Hardwicke (white background)

Anatomische Untersuchungen über die Edentaten (1852) Manis javanica

Manis refers to the genus of mammals known as pangolins, which are unique creatures distinguished by their full body armor of scales. These mammals are native to Asia and Africa, and they play a crucial role in their ecosystems, primarily through their consumption of ants and termites. The name "Manis" comes from the Latin word for "ghost" or "specter," reflecting the elusive and solitary nature of these animals. Pangolins are nocturnal and highly secretive, making them difficult to study in the wild.

Description

Pangolins are characterized by their protective keratin scales, which cover their bodies except for the undersides, face, and inner sides of their limbs. These scales are a defense mechanism against predators, allowing pangolins to roll into a tight ball when threatened. Adult pangolins can vary in size, from the small, tree-dwelling species that are around 30 cm in length, to the larger, ground-dwelling species that can reach up to 1 meter in length. They possess long, sticky tongues, which they use to extract ants and termites from their nests.

Habitat and Distribution

The genus Manis encompasses several species, each adapted to specific habitats ranging from tropical forests to grasslands and arid regions. These habitats are spread across various countries in Asia, including India, China, and parts of Southeast Asia, as well as in Africa, from the Sahel region to Southern Africa. The distribution of pangolins is largely dependent on the availability of ants and termites, which constitute the majority of their diet.

Conservation Status

Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals in the world, primarily due to the demand for their scales in traditional medicine and their meat as a delicacy in certain cultures. This has led to a significant decline in their populations, with all species of Manis listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Efforts to conserve pangolins include international legal protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as various conservation programs aimed at protecting their natural habitats and combating illegal trade.

Behavior and Ecology

Pangolins are solitary animals, with a predominantly nocturnal and secretive lifestyle. They are primarily terrestrial, although some species are adept climbers. Their diet consists almost entirely of ants and termites, which they locate using their keen sense of smell. Pangolins consume large quantities of insects, making them important controllers of insect populations in their ecosystems. They have a slow reproductive rate, typically giving birth to a single offspring at a time, which they care for in burrows or tree hollows.

Research and Study

Studying pangolins in the wild poses significant challenges due to their secretive nature and nocturnal habits. Research on Manis focuses on understanding their behavior, ecology, and physiology, as well as the threats they face from habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are also a key area of study, with scientists and conservationists working together to develop strategies to protect pangolins and their habitats. 0